Commercial Roof Inspections – What You Need to Know

Avoid roof leaks and costly structural damage to your commercial structure. Understanding how commercial roof inspections play a crucial role in identifying potential roofing system issues before they escalate into expensive repairs or replacements keeps your roof at its peak performance.

New Image Roofing Atlanta gathered information about commercial roof inspections, including why they are necessary, when they should be performed, who should conduct them, and what an inspector looks for.

Why Commercial Roof Inspections Are Necessary

Commercial roofs are exposed to various weather conditions, including rain, snow, wind, and UV radiation, which can cause wear and tear over time. Poor installation, design flaws, or irregular maintenance can cause roof deterioration. Regular roof inspections help identify potential problems early on, allowing for timely repairs and maintenance to extend the roof’s lifespan and prevent more significant issues from developing.

When Are Commercial Roof Inspections Required?

While there is no regulation mandating how often commercial roof inspections should occur, they are typically recommended annually. However, certain factors may necessitate more frequent inspections, like severe weather events, age, or recent construction activities nearby that could inadvertently damage the roof. Inspections may be required as apart of a property sale, lease agreement, or insurance policy.

For more information about free commercial roof inspections and scheduling one, visit newimageroofingatlanta.com/roofing-services/roof-maintenance/roof-inspections

Watch this video to discover more about insurance and deductibles when roof repairs or replacements are needed.

Who Performs Commercial Roof Inspections?

Commercial roof inspections should be conducted by qualified professionals with expertise in commercial roofing systems. This could include licensed roofers, roofing contractors, or certified building inspectors. It’s essential to select inspectors with experience in commercial roofing, as they are familiar with these structures’ unique challenges and requirements. Additionally, inspectors should adhere to industry standards and best practices outlined by organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) or the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).

What Do Inspectors Look for During a Commercial Roof Inspection?

During a commercial roof inspection, inspectors evaluate the roofing system to assess its condition and identify potential issues (if any). Here are some areas inspectors typically focus on:

Roofing Materials – Inspectors examine the roof type and material condition, including membranes, shingles, tiles, or metal panels, to ensure they are intact and free from damage or deterioration.

Roof Structure – The roof’s structural integrity, including the decking, support beams, and trusses, can identify any signs of sagging, rot, or corrosion that could compromise the roof’s stability.

Flashing and Sealants – Inspectors check flashing around roof penetrations like vents, chimneys, skylights, and HVAC units, as well as sealants along seams and joints, to ensure they are installed and sealed to prevent water intrusion.

Drainage System – Proper drainage prevents water ponding and potential leaks. Inspectors evaluate gutter conditions, downspouts, scuppers, and drains to ensure they are clear of debris and functioning effectively.

Roof Penetrations – Any openings or penetrations in the roof, like vents, pipes, or equipment mounts, are inspected for leaks or damage signs that could compromise the roofing system’s integrity.

Insulation and Ventilation – Inspectors assess the insulation and ventilation system quality and condition to ensure they meet building code requirements and provide adequate thermal comfort and moisture control.

Safety Features – Safety measures like roof access points, guardrails, and fall protection systems are inspected to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and protect workers during maintenance and repair activities.

Environmental Factors – Inspectors consider factors like tree overhangs, nearby construction activities, or environmental hazards that could impact the roof’s integrity and longevity.

The following is a more complete checklist of areas covered during a commercial roof inspection:

• Overall roof membrane or material condition
• Completing a core sample to discover roof composition
• Seam and joint integrity in the roofing system
• Proper drainage system to prevent water pooling
• Flashing condition around HVAC units, vents, and other penetrations
• Adequate insulation to meet energy efficiency requirements
• Wear, tear, or puncture signs in the roofing material
• Roof coating condition, if applicable
• Roof access points and equipment properly functioning
• Adequate roof slope to facilitate water runoff
• Roof curbs, parapet walls, and other roof accessories conditions
• Rooftop equipment assessment for potential damage or leaks
• Rooftop penetration inspection for proper sealing and flashing
• Compliance Verification with local building codes and regulations
• Checking for any ponding water or excessive moisture signs
• Evaluation of any rooftop vegetation or debris that could impact drainage or cause damage
• Assessment for proper fire protection measures, if applicable

Conducting thorough inspections and addressing any issues allows commercial property owners to prolong the roof’s lifespan, maintain a safe and secure building environment, and avoid costly repairs or replacements in the future.

Commercial Roofing System Inspection

In this article, you discovered commercial roof inspection information, including why they are performed, when you need them done, who should conduct them, and what inspectors look for during one.

Scheduling commercial roof inspections keeps you ahead of potential roofing issues by keeping your roof in its best condition while extending its lifespan.

Failure to stay on top of regular commercial roof inspections will result in leaks and potentially catastrophic structural and internal damage.

Sources:
gsa.gov/real-estate/historic-preservation/historic-preservation-policy-tools/preservation-tools-resources/technical-procedures/checklist-for-the-routine-inspection-of-buildings
nrca.net/roofing-inspection-checklist
wbdg.org/guides-specifications/building-envelope-design-guide/roofing-systems-commercial-buildings